Chattanooga Police boost downtown patrols this weekend

Chattanooga Police Department officials said they will boost police presence this weekend in the downtown area, according to a news release.

Officers will be positioned on the North Shore, inside and out of Coolidge Park and all around the downtown area.

Parents are strongly encouraged not to drop off children and teens and leave them unattended, the news release stated.

"While we encourage a family atmosphere downtown and welcome citizens to get out and enjoy all that Chattanooga has to offer, weekend entertainment and public gatherings aren't meant to create panic and general lawlessness, Police Chief Bobby Dodd said.

City ordinances will be enforced to deal with issues of large crowds congregating in the area and creating traffic hazards or public nuisance, according to the news release.

Last week officers were tasked with dealing with large groups of juveniles creating traffic issues and running through the streets, the release stated. Some area merchants and patrons of downtown businesses complained of juveniles blocking entrances to businesses, running out into traffic and creating disturbances.